Curtis Blaydes stated he respects Josh Hockett as a fighter despite Hockett's words and behavior before their bout. Blaydes explained it would be insincere and hypocritical to call Hockett names when he clearly demonstrated fighting ability in the octagon. While Blaydes stated he doesn't enjoy Hockett's personality or antics, he maintains respect for him as a competitor when they face each other with gloves on. Blaydes emphasized the importance of acknowledging an opponent's fighting skills regardless of personal feelings about their character outside the cage.
Curtis Blaydes has offered a measured take on his relationship with Josh Hockett following their bout, making clear that pre-fight friction did not alter his professional respect for his opponent once the gloves were on.
Blaydes, speaking in an interview, acknowledged that Hockett's behavior and words leading into the fight rubbed him the wrong way. However, the heavyweight contender said it would be hypocritical to dismiss Hockett as a fighter after watching him perform inside the octagon. He drew a firm line between disliking someone's personality and denying the reality of their competitive ability.
The 35-year-old American, known as "Razor," currently sits fourth in the UFC heavyweight rankings with a professional record of 19-6. Training out of Elevation Fight Team, the six-foot-four orthodox wrestler operates with one of the most active takedown games in the division, averaging 5.38 takedowns per 15 minutes. He also lands strikes at a rate of 3.56 significant strikes per minute with 50 percent accuracy, backed by an 80-inch reach that gives him considerable physical advantages over most opponents.
Why it matters
- Blaydes reinforces a distinction between personal dislike and competitive respect, a nuanced position not often heard in pre- or post-fight interviews
- His comments suggest the two fighters had genuine tension leading into the matchup, adding context to their rivalry
- As a top-four heavyweight, how Blaydes conducts himself publicly can influence his standing and future matchmaking in a loaded division
